Methods And Compositions For Hydrophobic Modification Of Oral Cavity Surfaces

Abstract

Oral care compositions containing agents that are effective for treating and modifying teeth and mucosal surfaces to be hydrophobic are disclosed. Hydrophobic modification of teeth and other oral cavity surfaces imparts a variety of end use benefits including prevention of caries, erosion, wear, staining, sensitivity and desquamation as well as providing shine, smoothness and positive tooth feel benefits. The compositions contain selected surface active organophosphate compounds that deposit and adhere to teeth and other oral cavity surfaces forming a hydrophobic coating having prolonged retention thereon. By forming a “hydrophobic coating” on the oral cavity surface is meant that the hydrophobic character of the surface is increased as measured, for example, by an increase of at least about 10 degrees in the water contact angle of the surface after treatment. The increased hydrophobic character of the surface is maintained for a period of at least about 5 minutes and desirably longer such as at least about 10, at least about 20 or at least about 30 minutes. The compositions may contain additional hydrophobic materials to further increase hydrophobicity of the surface and / or functionality of the coating to provide surface protection and many other benefits.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]Compositions comprising selected surface active organophosphate compounds and use of these compositions for treating and modifying teeth and other oral cavity surfaces are provided. When applied to oral cavity surfaces, the present composition forms a substantially hydrophobic coating of the surface active organophosphate compound(s) on the treated surface. The organophosphate compound deposits on teeth and mucosal surfaces via bonds or linkages formed between the phosphate groups of the compound and cationic sites on the target surfaces. The treated surface is provided with increased hydrophobic character, which then imparts multiple end use benefits to that surface including ease of cleaning; increased retention of actives such as fluoride on teeth; and surface protection benefits, in particular improved resistance of teeth to bacterial or biofilm adhesion, erosive demineralization or dissolution, sensitivity and staining and prevention of tooth damage from su...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]The present invention provides oral care compositions comprising agents effective for treating and modifying teeth and mucosal surfaces to be hydrophobic, which then imparts end use benefits including prevention of caries, erosion, wear, staining, sensitivity and desquamation as well as providing shine, smoothness and positive tooth feel benefits. To impart hydrophobicity to teeth and other oral cavity surfaces, compositions are used comprising selected surface active organophosphate compounds that deposit and adhere to oral cavity surfaces forming a hydrophobic coating having prolonged retention thereon. By forming a “hydrophobic coating” on the oral cavity surface is meant that the hydrophobic character of the surface is increased as measured, for example, by an increase of at least about 10 degrees in the water contact angle of the surface after treatment. The increased hydrophobic character of the surface is maintained for a period of at least about 5 minutes and desirably longer such as at least about 10, at least about 20 or at least about 30 minutes. The compositions may comprise additional hydrophobic materials to further increase hydrophobicity of the surface and / or functionality of the coating to provide surface protection and many other benefits.

Problems solved by technology

The incidence and severity of dental erosion is on the rise with the increase in the consumption of acidic beverages and juices.

Another cause of tooth wear is abrasion which results when tooth surfaces rub against each other or when harsh abrasives are used for brushing or polishing teeth.

However, if enamel has been demineralized and / or softened by exposure to an erosive challenge, the enamel becomes more susceptible to wear.

Caries is another condition that is detrimental to tooth health and structural integrity.

If left uninhibited, the caries process results in sufficient mineral loss from teeth, which manifests as a loss of structural integrity and the formation of a cavity.

Exposure of these tubules to external stimuli can cause irritation of the nerve and lead to the discomfort or pain of hypersensitivity.

Another problem associated with tooth wear and loss of enamel is development of irregularities, microcracks, crevices and general roughening of an otherwise smooth and even tooth surface, which naturally has a translucent white or slightly-off-white color and a shiny or lustrous appearance.

The uneven tooth surface further promotes adsorption of particles, bacteria and staining agents onto the surface, which lead to proliferation of dental plaque, formation of calculus and discoloration, all contributing to an undesirable appearance.

Still another oral cavity problem affecting consumers is sensitivity to common ingredients in oral care products such as surfactants and tartar control agents, in particular condensed polyphosphates such as pyrophosphate and hexametaphosphate, used to clean the oral cavity and prevent deposition of mineralized biofilms on hard tissue surfaces.

While such desquamation is rather harmless since mucosa cells are quickly regrown and no significant pain is involved, the sloughed off tissue forms an unsightly residue in the mouth and lips.

In addition, salivary composition, bacteria, and soft tissue abrasion further impacts retention of actives in the oral cavity.

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